(note: this is a part-time program; current full-timers can do this program and still keep your job)

Northwoods Dog Training LLC is expanding and offering an immersive apprenticeship program in northern Michigan. This program will give prospective trainers excellent exposure, education, and experience in many aspects of dog (and people!) training, canine behavior and handling. Perfect for the person having a goal of becoming a dog trainer, assistant trainer, or a related business in the pet care industry. Creativity is encouraged, so if you have an interest in pursuing agility, or teaching tricks, free-style or therapy dogs (to name a very few), this will give you an excellent foundation. I am also looking to hire stellar "graduates" to be able to offer more services to my clients.

This apprenticeship with Patty Crichton will certainly not be boring; she LOVES to teach and has been called an engaging and inspiring speaker. The program involves group class and private lesson observation (in later levels), assisting and then actual instruction- by YOU! (when ready). It also involves a lot of reading and discussion as well as written and oral assignments not only in dog training/behavior, but in business procedures. And of course, there will be much actual hands-on training, especially in latter parts of the program. An added bonus will be guest speakers and field trips for an insider's look at various aspects of the industry-fun!

Have you dreamed of being a Dog Trainer using new gentle techniques?

Would you enjoy helping people train their dogs and creatively solve their dog's behavior problems?

Are you looking for a career to earn full or part-time income doing what you love?

Are you a dog-lover/owner who loves learning & wants more in-depth ongoing education using dog-friendly, force-free methods?

The good news: being a dog trainer can be an extremely fulfilling career when you feel confident in being able to address the many different types of problems and training challenges that dogs have. With your expert help, families can live in true harmony with their dog rather than put up with everything from puppy nipping to serious aggression. And now, you can learn to be a dog trainer or a more knowledgeable dog owner by apprenticing with a dog-friendly professional trainer right here in northern Michigan! No travel expenses.

The bad news: becoming a successful trainer takes years of experience at the school of hard knocks, and/or attendance at dog training schools. It also takes years to develop local professional relationships and word-of-mouth reputation. Dog training schools/academies:

Are expensive- $4,000 up to $12,000+ plus living and travel expenses. When I went to Dog Training School 10 years ago, I paid $5,000 PLUS drove cross-country and had travel and living expenses for 4 months, with obviously no income. If I had it to do over again, I’d select a mentor and apprentice with that person. If I had a lot of money and time, I would attend a GOOD dog training school and also mentor with someone.

Don’t (usually) include much hands-on experience (especially the home-study programs), which is CRITICAL. Learning theory only goes so far; you need to get your hands on a lot of dogs and get experience working with all kinds of people to be successful. At school I watched the teacher do things I would never do to a dog, and though I worked with a few shelter dogs, I didn't receive much guidance. Upon graduation, I paid a lot of money to spend just one week with a famous trainer, which was great, but the rest I learned by taking on free cases, attending seminars, much reading and watching videos. More expenses and no income.

Are far away; the only dog training school available here is a home study course.

Don't build relationships with local professionals

I am extremely fortunate that my business has grown beyond what I can handle and still maintain excellent customer service during years when many dog trainers across the country went out of business. I LOVE teaching and have set up a 3 Level Apprentice Program (approx. 1 year) for people who are sincerely interested and motivated to learn, with the possibility of qualified candidates being hired as paid or unpaid Trainer, Assistant Trainer, Dog Walker and/or Sitter for in-home boarding.

Advantages:

Close to home; no travel expenses

Learn the business from the ground up, without reinventing the wheel

Having lots of hands-on experience with both dogs and people

Low-cost, and you can still maintain your current job

Being able to watch someone else with a wide variety of cases (invaluable!)

Min. time required: 2-3 hrs/week instruction and field trips/guest speakers; 3 hrs/week admin. and dog care; 2 hrs Group classes. Reading/study on your own time. Time TBD by group consensus, except for group classes. I want to make it work for you! Applications due by June 15; please contact me with questions.

3 hours -Orientation and introduction to program

48 hours Group Classes - Assist me with classes each week before and afterward. First, you'll observe a full 4 week class series, then bring a dog through as a student in both Puppy and Basic Class, then assist 2 classes, then (if ready) actually teach the class with supervision. Includes discussion post-class. Usually Sat. afternoons and/or Monday and Tuesday evenings.

32 hours (1 day per week/2 hours minimum)- Discussion and instruction: required books and DVDs (you'll love them!), class observations, learning clicker training and practicing with an assortment of dogs. A small sample of topics covered: clicker training, dog breeds, body language, how dogs learn, handling difficult people, business management, and why I do things the way I do. This section may be increased. Also included: a wide variety of guest speakers; this may be your favorite part! Day/time will be one that is mutually agreeable.